Deuteronomy 11:14

KJV

That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

KJV (with Strong's)

That I will give {H5414} you the rain {H4306} of your land {H776} in his due season {H6256}, the first rain {H3138} and the latter rain {H4456}, that thou mayest gather {H622} in thy corn {H1715}, and thy wine {H8492}, and thine oil {H3323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, [says ADONAI,] 'I will give your land its rain at the right seasons, including the early fall rains and the late spring rains; so that you can gather in your wheat, new wine and olive oil;

Berean Standard Bible

then I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil.

American Standard Version

that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy grain, and thy new wine, and thine oil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:14 stands as a pivotal promise within Moses' second discourse to Israel, articulating God's covenantal commitment to provide abundant, timely rainfall—the "first rain" and "latter rain"—essential for agricultural prosperity in the Promised Land. This divine provision of "corn, wine, and oil" is directly contingent upon the nation's diligent obedience to God's commandments, underscoring the intimate connection between faithfulness and tangible blessings in the life of the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:14 is embedded within a significant section (Deuteronomy 11:13-25) that elaborates on the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, serving as a powerful exhortation following the foundational declaration of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and its Commands"). Specifically, verse 14 presents the positive outcome of the condition set in [Deuteronomy 11:13](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Deuteronomy 11:13 - The Condition for Blessing"): "And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul..." This immediate literary proximity highlights that God's practical, life-sustaining provision is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Israel's covenant fidelity. The promise of rain is a tangible manifestation of God's presence and care, demonstrating His active involvement in the daily lives and sustenance of His people in the land He is giving them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, profoundly dependent on seasonal rainfall for its survival and prosperity. Unlike Egypt, which relied on the predictable annual flooding of the Nile for irrigation, Canaan's agriculture was entirely dependent on rain, making it a land that "drinketh water of the rain of heaven" ([Deuteronomy 11:11](/deuteronomy/11-11 "Deuteronomy 11:11 - A Land of Rain")). The "first rain" (Hebrew: _yoreh_ or _moreh_) typically fell in October-November, softening the hard ground for plowing and planting winter crops like wheat and barley. The "latter rain" (Hebrew: _malqosh_) arrived in March-April, crucial for the final ripening of these grains before the harvest season, ensuring a bountiful yield. The absence or delay of either of these rains could lead to widespread crop failure, famine, and economic devastation. Therefore, God's promise to provide these rains "in his due season" was not merely a general blessing but a specific, life-sustaining guarantee that addressed the most fundamental need of the Israelite economy and way of life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Provision** is central, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His intimate care for His covenant people. He is not a distant deity but the direct source of life-giving rain, crucial for the prosperity of an agrarian society. Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Blessings** is vividly illustrated; the promise of rain is a tangible, material blessing directly tied to Israel's faithfulness and obedience. This reinforces the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God brings forth prosperity and well-being, while disobedience leads to curses and hardship ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Lastly, the verse underscores **Agricultural Dependence** and God's role as the sustainer of life. It highlights the profound reliance of ancient Israel on natural cycles and divine intervention for their very existence, fostering a theology of trust and gratitude in the face of environmental uncertainties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **First rain (Hebrew, _yôreh_ or _môreh_):** This term refers to the early autumn rains (October-November) that were essential for preparing the soil for plowing and planting winter crops such as wheat and barley. Its timely arrival allowed the ground, hardened by the long dry summer, to be softened, enabling farmers to sow their seeds. Without the "first rain," planting would be delayed or impossible, jeopardizing the entire agricultural cycle.
* **Latter rain (Hebrew, _malqôsh_):** This refers to the late spring rains (March-April) that were crucial for the final ripening of the winter crops before the harvest. These rains swelled the grains, ensuring a full and abundant yield. Their absence would result in shriveled, unproductive crops, leading to scarcity. The promise of both "first" and "latter" rain signifies a complete and perfectly timed provision for the entire growing season.
* **Due season (Hebrew, _b'ittô_):** This phrase emphasizes the precise and perfect timing of God's provision. It's not just that rain will come, but that it will come exactly when it is needed most for the agricultural cycle. This highlights God's meticulous care, foreknowledge, and sovereign control over natural processes, ensuring optimal conditions for the land's fruitfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season,"**: This clause establishes God as the active, benevolent giver of life-sustaining rain. The promise is direct and personal ("I will give you"), emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. The phrase "your land" reinforces that this blessing is specifically for the territory they are about to inherit, a land whose fertility is directly tied to divine favor. The crucial element "in his due season" highlights God's perfect timing and control, ensuring the rain arrives precisely when needed for the agricultural year, demonstrating His meticulous provision.
* **"the first rain and the latter rain,"**: This specifies the two critical periods of rainfall that bracket the growing season. The "first rain" initiates the planting, and the "latter rain" brings the crops to maturity for harvest. By mentioning both, God guarantees a complete and sustained provision throughout the entire agricultural cycle, from sowing to reaping, ensuring the land's productivity. This is not a partial promise but a comprehensive one.
* **"that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil."**: This final clause states the purpose and tangible outcome of God's faithful provision. "Corn" (grain), "wine" (from grapes), and "oil" (from olives) were the three staple agricultural products of ancient Israel, representing the primary sources of sustenance, commerce, and wealth. The ability to "gather in" these products signifies a successful and abundant harvest, directly linking God's blessing of rain to the nation's material prosperity and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:14 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, where God's action (giving rain) is directly contingent upon Israel's obedience (implied from the preceding verse). This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship central to the Deuteronomic covenant theology. There is also an element of **Merism** in the phrase "the first rain and the latter rain," where two contrasting parts are used to represent the whole—in this case, all the necessary rain throughout the entire growing season. Finally, the mention of "corn, and thy wine, and thine oil" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where these three staple products stand in for the entirety of agricultural prosperity and the general abundance of the land. They represent the full spectrum of the land's produce and the comprehensive nature of God's blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:14 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the material well-being of His covenant people, linking their physical sustenance directly to their spiritual fidelity. This principle of conditional blessing, where obedience unlocks tangible provision, is a recurring theological motif throughout the Old Testament. It showcases God as the sovereign Lord over creation, whose power extends to the very elements of nature, and whose faithfulness is expressed through His provision for those who walk in His ways. This verse also foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: just as physical rain nourishes the land, God's spiritual blessings nourish the soul, contingent upon a heart devoted to Him. The promise of "due season" speaks to God's perfect timing and wisdom in all His provisions, whether physical or spiritual.

* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joel 2:23](/joel/2-23 "Joel 2:23 - The Early and Latter Rain")
* [James 5:7](/james/5-7 "James 5:7 - Patience of the Farmer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern societies may not directly depend on seasonal rains for their immediate sustenance in the same way ancient Israel did, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 11:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. God is still the ultimate provider, and spiritual obedience continues to be deeply linked with His blessings, though these blessings may manifest differently in a New Covenant context. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of trust in God's faithfulness to meet our needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and reminds us that true prosperity, in its deepest sense, flows from His hand. It calls us to examine our own lives: are we diligently hearkening to God's commandments, loving Him with all our heart and soul? Our pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")) positions us to experience His promised provision and care in every aspect of our lives, acknowledging that He is the source of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to trust God for "due season" provision?**
* **How does your obedience (or lack thereof) impact your experience of God's blessings?**
* **Beyond material provision, what "corn, wine, and oil" (spiritual sustenance, joy, anointing) might God desire to pour into your life as you walk in faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why was rain such a significant promise for ancient Israel, and what does "due season" imply?**

Answer: Rain was absolutely critical for ancient Israel because their agricultural economy, unlike that of Egypt with its Nile River irrigation, was entirely dependent on seasonal rainfall. The land of Canaan was a "land of hills and valleys, which drinketh water of the rain of heaven" ([Deuteronomy 11:11](/deuteronomy/11-11 "Deuteronomy 11:11 - A Land of Rain")). Without the "first rain" (autumn) for planting and the "latter rain" (spring) for ripening, crops would fail, leading to famine and hardship. The promise of rain "in his due season" implies God's perfect timing and meticulous care. It's not just that rain would come, but that it would arrive precisely when needed for optimal agricultural success, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nature and His commitment to His covenant people's well-being.

**How does this promise of physical provision relate to Christians under the New Covenant?**

Answer: While Christians today do not live under the Mosaic covenant's specific terms of physical land and agricultural blessings, the underlying principle of God as the faithful Provider remains eternally true. Deuteronomy 11:14 teaches us about God's character: He is attentive to the needs of His people and desires to bless their obedience. For New Covenant believers, the emphasis shifts from primarily physical, agricultural blessings to spiritual and holistic well-being. God still provides for our physical needs ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")), but He also pours out spiritual "rain"—the Holy Spirit, wisdom, grace, and anointing—to enable us to bear spiritual fruit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Our "land" is now the kingdom of God, and our "harvest" is spiritual growth and the advancement of His purposes. The call to obedience and trust in His provision remains central.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:14, with its promise of life-giving rain and abundant harvest contingent on obedience, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised physical rain for physical sustenance, Christ brings the spiritual "rain" that truly nourishes the soul and produces eternal fruit. He is the source of the "living water" that, once received, ensures we "shall never thirst" ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")). The "first rain" of the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, initiating the new harvest of believers, and the "latter rain" continues to fall, empowering the church for its mission and bringing believers to maturity in anticipation of Christ's return ([Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17-18 - The Spirit Poured Out")). Through Christ, the curse of the law is broken, and the true blessing of Abraham—which is the gift of the Spirit through faith—is made available to all nations ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham through Christ")). Our obedience to Christ, born of love and faith, yields a harvest of righteousness and peace, far surpassing the "corn, wine, and oil" of the land. In Him, we are blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), experiencing a provision that is not merely seasonal but eternal, securing our true and lasting prosperity in God's kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Deuteronomy 28:12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Ezekiel 34:26

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

Joel 2:22

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

Joel 2:23

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].